A state of heightened tension prevailed in Jaipur's Johari Bazaar late Friday evening after a dispute erupted over the placement of posters near the historic Jama Masjid, prompting a swift police response and the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Hawamahal MLA Balmukundacharya.
The unrest unfolded as a large number of people gathered at Badi Chaupad, with members of a particular group raising slogans in protest. The incident occurred in the broader context of national outrage over the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.
According to official sources, the disturbance began when MLA Balmukundacharya allegedly affixed posters in various locations, including outside the Jama Masjid, on the footpath near Badi Chaupad, within the Ramganj market area, and near public toilets.
Eyewitness accounts state that the MLA arrived in the vicinity of the mosque at approximately 8.30 pm accompanied by supporters, who were carrying posters critical of Pakistan.
Local residents accused the legislator of displaying disrespect towards the mosque while pasting the posters. After the posters were put up, Balmukundacharya reportedly left the scene, at which point a sizable crowd assembled, demanding his immediate detention.
The Jaipur Commissionerate Police responded promptly, deploying a significant number of officers to contain the situation. Deputy Commissioner of Police Rashi Dogra, along with other senior officials, arrived on site. Additional forces were summoned as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and prevent escalation.
The Jama Masjid Committee proceeded to file an FIR at Manakchowk police station, accusing the MLA of attempting to provoke communal sentiments. News of the FIR led to the gradual dispersal of the crowd that had gathered at the site.
Congress legislators Rafiq Khan and Amin Kagzi also reached the Police Commissionerate during the evening. Announcements were made from the mosque, appealing to the public to return to their homes, assuring them that official action had been initiated.&nbsp;
Despite this, several individuals continued to insist that Balmukundacharya be arrested without delay, threatening to conduct afternoon prayers at the protest site if action was not taken by Saturday.
The posters that sparked the incident reportedly bore the message, "Who says terrorism does not have a religion?" and featured the image of a bearded man. Protesters claimed that the imagery and wording were deliberately designed to offend religious sentiments.
In response to the allegations, MLA Balmukundacharya stated that the intention behind the posters was solely to express opposition to Pakistan and terrorism. "Those who dislike Pakistan could show their sentiment by stepping on the stickers with their footwear, while those who felt otherwise were free to remove them," he said.&nbsp;
He added that the posters had been placed in various public spaces, including near the Badi Chaupad Ganesh Temple and Sulabh toilets, and insisted that no religious sentiments had been harmed.
Preliminary accounts suggest the unrest began around 10 pm, with one group initiating a protest and placing posters near Badi Chaupad. This was quickly followed by a counter-demonstration, resulting in rising tensions between the two sides.&nbsp;
Law enforcement intervened swiftly to prevent further conflict, reinforcing the deployment with additional personnel.
Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph and Additional Police Commissioner Rameshwar Singh were among the senior law enforcement officers who reached the area to oversee the situation.&nbsp;
Commenting on the events, MLA Rafiq Khan stated that the demonstration reflected broader societal opposition to terrorism, rather than the views of any single community. He confirmed that an FIR had indeed been registered.
(with inputs from IANS)
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(Left) Jama Masjid and MLA Balmukundacharya (Right)

A poster drive led by MLA Balmukundacharya near Jama Masjid triggered unrest and an FIR in Jaipur

MLA Booked After Poster Row Near Jaipur Mosque

A poster drive led by MLA Balmukundacharya near Jama Masjid triggered unrest and an FIR in Jaipur

April 26, 2025 | 12:06 IST